Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate has suffered another setback in his bid to return to fitness, missing training for the second day in a row because of a back problem.
The England international was poised to return to action for Real this weekend after recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained while playing against Arsenal in the Champions League a month ago.
The latest problem, which the club says is acute back and sciatic pain, is likely to rule him out for next week's game at Barcelona.
The 26-year-old centre back has been plagued by injury in recent years and has played only nine league games this season following his return from an 18-month lay-off because of a torn thigh muscle.
Woodgate had been on the verge of returning to the England squad in November but missed out after suffering a hamstring injury during a league match against Real Zaragoza.
